Co-op job hunt

Initial Phase

Submittal of resume package (co-op cover sheet, resume, optional transcript) to CECS, subject to change with the implementation of the online system

Two rounds of interviews, initial and continuous phase, with the number of postings depending on the number of jobs available. Postings go up very fast after the term begins, so try to have your resume prepared and checked over before you get to Waterloo.

If you need help writing your resume – resume critiques (please check this)

Maximum of 24 applications during initial phase. Any more and co-op will disregard your resume so don’t bother wasting your time trying to sneak one in.

If you want to sign off a job (i.e. pull yourself out of contention) provided you have a valid reason, do so immediately after your interview is finished. Go see the Engineering Co-op Advisor, Janet Metz.

A good thing to do, when you have an interview, write down the email of other candidates of the same job. This will be handy when it comes to ranking time. Say if you are ranked for a job and want to see who got the offer and if he/she’s taking it.

Ranking form is due 4:00pm(?) on the day it is posted. Think ahead of time how you would rank your jobs.

Ranking process requires you to fill out one choice as #1, and another as a backup in case your first choice is cancelled. You are allowed to rank multiple 2s, 3s, 4s, etc.

For the point above, what if they’re all ranked?

Continuous Phase

Don’t stress if you didn’t get a job in the initial phase – This is not the end of the world!

Resume package submittal is same as in initial phase

There is no limit to the number of applications in continuous phase. So apply to as many as you want, you have nothing to lose!

You will be applying to as many jobs as possible, so will the others. So make sure your resume stands out from the crowd. If your resume is not very good, make sure it is reviewed and edited before applying.

Once matched in continuous phase, you have no choice but to accept that job. So don’t apply to jobs that you would absolutely despise doing for 4 months, or else you might regret it!